Entity Framework Core 9: New Updated Features

Entity Framework Core 9

What is EF Core, and why is it used?

• Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is a modern, open-source object-database mapper (ORM).
• It allows .NET developers to work with databases using .NET objects.
• It automates database operations, reducing the need for data-access code, and making application development more efficient.

Evolution of Entity Framework Core

EF Core is the successor of Entity Framework (EF) and was built from the ground up for better flexibility, cross-platform support, and improved performance. EF Core has evolved since its initial release in 2016, with each version bringing significant updates.EF Core 9 represents a major leap forward with its advanced features, extended database support, and performance improvements, enabling developers to build scalable applications with ease.

EF Core 9 Release Date and Version History

1. EF Core 9 Release Date

EF Core 9 was officially released in late 2024, continuing Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing its ORM tools for .NET developers.

2. Entity Framework Core Version History

What’s New in EF Core 9?

1. Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL

EF Core 9 provides robust support for  Azure Cosmos DB, specifically designed for NoSQL databases. This allows developers to interact with Cosmos DB using familiar patterns. Key features include automatic scaling, partitioning, and customizable consistency models. This integration simplifies NoSQL usage in .NET applications.

2. AOT and Pre-Compiled Queries

Entity Framework Core 9 introduces Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation and pre-compiled queries, improving performance by generating code at build time. This results in faster execution, optimized memory usage, and improved startup times, particularly useful for performance-critical applications.

3. LINQ and SQL Translation

EF Core 9 enhances its LINQ capabilities, making complex queries easier to write and translating them more efficiently into SQL. These enhancements include better support for advanced LINQ expressions and optimized SQL translation for improved query performance.

4. Migrations

The migrations system in EF Core 9 has been further refined, allowing developers to handle complex schema changes with ease. Enhancements include better migration management, improved tracking of schema changes, and a streamlined process for evolving databases while maintaining data consistency.

5. Model Building

Model building in EF Core 9 is more flexible, supporting complex data models such as many-to-many relationships and owned types. Improved conventions reduce manual configuration, and attribute-based configuration offers more control over how models are mapped to the database.

6. SQL Server HierarchyId

EF Core 9 now supports SQL Server’s HierarchyId, which is ideal for representing hierarchical data structures like organizational charts or file systems. Developers can efficiently query and manage hierarchical data using built-in methods like GetAncestor(), GetDescendant(), and IsDescendantOf().

7. Tooling

The tooling in EF Core 9 has been greatly enhanced, with improvements to the EF Core CLI, better Visual Studio integration, and more robust logging and diagnostics tools. These improvements make it easier to manage migrations, debug issues, and visualize data models during development.

Hands-On Example: Working with Entity Framework Core 9

Setting Up a Project with EF Core 9

To install EF Core 9, use the following command in your terminal:

 dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore --version 9.0.0

Creating a Simple Data Model

Here’s an example of a simple data model for a blog application:

 public class Blog {
        public int BlogId { get; set; }
        public string Url { get; set; }
        public List<Post> Posts { get; set; }
    }

    public class Post {
        public int PostId { get; set; }
        public string Title { get; set; }
        public string Content { get; set; }
        public int BlogId { get; set; }
        public Blog Blog { get; set; }
    }

Implementing CRUD Operations

Here’s how to perform basic CRUD operations using EF Core 9:

1. Create

 var blog = new Blog { Url = "https://example.com" };
context.Blogs.Add(blog);
context.SaveChanges();

2. Read

 var blogs = context.Blogs.ToList();

3. Update

 var blog = context.Blogs.First();
blog.Url = "https://newexample.com";
context.SaveChanges();

4. Delete

 var blog = context.Blogs.First();
context.Blogs.Remove(blog);
context.SaveChanges();

Using LINQ and Advanced Queries in EF Core 9

EF Core 9 enhances LINQ queries. Here’s an example of filtering posts:

 var posts = context.Posts
    .Where(p => p.BlogId == 1)
    .OrderBy(p => p.Title)
    .ToList();

Database Migration with Entity Framework Core 9

1. Understanding Migrations in EF Core 9

EF Core 9 provides robust tools to handle database migrations, allowing for easy schema evolution.

2. Creating and Applying Migrations

To create and apply a migration, use the following commands:

 dotnet ef migrations add InitialCreate
dotnet ef database update

3. Handling Complex Schema Changes

EF Core 9 improves the handling of complex schema changes, helping developers manage evolving databases with ease.

4. Seeding Data in EF Core 9

EF Core 9 allows for easy data seeding during database setup, ensuring default data is populated automatically.

Entity Framework Core 9 Best Practices

1. Optimizing Query Performance in EF Core 9

Use techniques like eager loading and caching to optimize queries and improve overall performance.

2. Managing Database Connections Effectively

Efficient database connection management is key to avoiding bottlenecks and ensuring smooth application performance.

3. Schema Management and Versioning Tips

Leverage migrations and schema versioning tools to ensure that your database evolves alongside your application.

4. Debugging and Logging Enhancements

Take advantage of EF Core 9’s enhanced logging and debugging features to monitor query execution times and optimize database interactions.

Future of Entity Framework: What’s Next After EF Core 9?

1. Upcoming Features in EF Core

Future versions of EF Core are expected to include more advanced features, broader database support, and cloud-native optimizations.

2. Trends in ORMs and Database Technologies

As the database landscape evolves, EF Core will continue to adapt, integrating more cloud-based and NoSQL database options.

3. Predictions for Future EF Core Versions

Future releases of EF Core will likely focus on performance, scalability, and deeper integration with modern data-handling tools.

Conclusion

Entity Framework Core 9 is a powerful ORM for .NET developers, providing advanced features, improved performance, and a better developer experience. With its robust migration tools, expanded database support, and enhanced query capabilities, EF Core 9 remains a leading choice for building modern data-driven applications. Also, consider our .NET Certification Training to better understand .net concepts.